PRESIDENT'S ESSAY

Contributing to a Stronger American Democracy

Over the last few years, MacArthur has explored ways to strengthen our democracy with leading thinkers and practical, on-the-ground actors.

We discussed the role of highly partisan primaries, gerrymandering of political districts, changes in campaign finance, how our elections are run, and how citizens are informed, among other issues.

We focused on a few – in particular, the role of money in campaigns and its ultimate impact on policymaking and our system of voting, particularly the right to vote and the modernization of voting systems.

To promote more constructive discussion among members of Congress, we funded the Aspen Institute Congressional Program, which invites serving members from both parties to discuss policy issues with experts from think tanks and universities. We also provided support for the Congressional Research Service’s orientation, which brings freshman members of Congress together across party lines to learn about the issues they will confront as elected officials.

These contributions were aimed directly at political actors and the systems they operate in. The body politic, however, comprises all citizens.

The MacArthur Foundation supports creative people and effective institutions committed to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. In addition to selecting the MacArthur Fellows, the Foundation works to defend human rights, advance global conservation and security, make cities better places, and understand how technology is affecting children and society.